H. WON TAI CHI INSTITUTE


FAQ & Tips

Tai Chi Chuan or Chi Gong/Nei Gong?: Is there a difference between Tai Chi Chuan & Chi Gong/Nei Gong?

Solution: Tai Chi Chuan is a Chi Gong/Nei Gong. Every posture of all the forms can be broken down to a Chi Gong/Nei Gong posture. Therefore, when a person is practicing the long form, the fast form, weapon forms, etc., he/she is, in fact, practicing "moving Chi Gong/Nei gong".

Long time ago, a genius created the Tai Chi Chuan by stringing the postures together. And, by connecting the postures, a better Chi Gong/Nei Gong method was devised. Not only did Tai Chi Chuan develops the internal energy (chi), it also strengthens the joints, the muscles, & the internal organs. At the same time, it teaches the prctitioners to stay relaxed, mentally & physically, while in slow & fast motion. Moreover, the movements are devised in a such marvelous way that the energy channels open up naturally without using the mind--the practitioners do not need to force it to make it happen.

In the traditional Yang family Tai Chi Chuan, the standing Chi Gong/Nei Gong is practiced after he/she has learned the long form & the dynamic pushing hands. It is meant to compliment the higher Tai Chi Chuan training; therefore, it serves a purpose.

The common misunderstanding of Chi Gong/Nei Gong is that with a long years of training, it will give the practitioners a mystical, super power. Do not believe it! In fact, some of Chi Gong/Nei Gong can be very dangerous to his/hers health. Forcing the internal energy to move throughout the body when the body is not ready, can be detrimental to the body. In Tai Chi Chuan, the practitioners seek to "balance" the energy. When energy is unbalanced, terrible drawbacks can happen.

Unfortunately, knowledgeable Chi Gong/Nei Gong masters are just as rare as knowledgeable Tai Chi Chuan masters. Moreover, those who claim to teach Tai Chi Chi Gong/Nei Gong are, in fact, teaching external style Chi Gong/Nei Gong, & not Tai Chi Chuan's. Be very care about what you want to learn. If money can be made from your desire, they'll teach you whatever you want to learn, with all kinds of exotic lures.